QLiterati! The Update

QLiterati! on Wednesday was a night of many firsts for me.

First off, it was hosted at the Q Center in Portland (Oregon). Before QLiterati! I didn't know that Portland had a Q Center. I'm feeling a little out of touch with my community. The building is located in an old industrial come hipster neighborhood, not too far from the river (Willamette).

Second, I was able to meet, live and in person, fellow Bold Strokes authors, Jacob and Diane Anderson-Minshall. I've communicated with others online and I've spoken with both Radclyffe and Jennifer (Knight) over the phone, but this was the first time for a shake hands, "nice to meet you" kind of introduction. That was a treat. Both were very charming and engaging.

Third, as I stated before, this was my first public reading. Wow! What a fun time. The setting made all the difference, I'm sure. Let me break down the evening for you.

In an unexpected turn of events, Tara was able to go with me. I didn't think it would matter to me, having a face in the audience that I know, love, and trust, but it did. Having her there to support me added to my overall confidence and enjoyment for the evening.

We arrived early and sat in the car until 6:30pm. I read through my selection twice more, making her listen for consistency, tone, stumbles, and the like. She is right and properly sick of that portion of the book now. I scribbled that section all up, marking out entire paragraphs to omit, rearranging sentences, and changing words. I scrambled for a pen, desperate to make one last change before heading inside. "You sure you should be making changes now?" I ignored her and kept scribbling.

Inside the building we were greeted by a cheerful young woman who pointed us in the right direction, but not before arming us with raffle tickets for the drawing later in the evening. "I don't know what they're giving away," she said, "but their prizes are always good. I wish I could enter." And she was right. The prizes were good.

After a brief introduction and outline of how the evening should go, Tara and I selected seats in the back row. I've always been a back row kind of girl. Next time, maybe I'll change up my perspective and sit in the front. But this time we sat back row, on the edge. I wanted to be able to move to the front, quickly, easily, and with minimum obstacles to trip over. I made it.

A lovely (and totally muscle-ee butch) singer named Joshua Klipp, along with Seattle jazz musician Quinn Fitzpatrick, started the evening out. Joshua and Quinn are both FTM and it was interesting to hear about Josh's experience. Quinn was a little on the shy side and didn't talk. He did, however, turn red when Josh mentioned how cute and talented he is. They did a set of three or four songs and it really helped to loosen up the audience.

After that there was an open mic period. Local writers are invited to take the stage and share their poetry, short stories, essays, etc. One of particular interest was from a woman who works at a local emergency room about the stress and frustration that are part of her everyday life. Very well written and passionate. She expressed concern that perhaps a non-medical audience would not be able to appreciate the tenor of the piece. To put aside any such concerns, I say the message came across loud and clear. I look forward to hearing more of her work.

Excitingly, there were more interested participants for the open mic than there was time for participation. Those who weren't able to contribute were promised time up first at next month's event.

Kathleen Bryson, author of Mush and Girl on a Stick, went first for the featured authors. Kathleen shared a bit of personal history about growing up in Alaska and how that informed the writing in her first book. The setting in Mush, although given a different name, was eerily similar to the small town where she grew up. Girl on a Stick takes place in London, where Kathleen spent 10 years working on her degree(s). It's about a young woman, studying in London, who sees Jesus on the Metro. Interesting social commentary there. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book.

All too soon, it was my turn. I made it to the microphone without tripping over anything, which was a huge relief. There was a bit of confusion about how to properly pronounce my first name. It's Jove, like clove. Rather than the two syllable moniker that Diane assigned me. Although I will say that her French sounding version makes me sound more interesting and exotic than I really am. Perhaps I should change it.

I'm typically comfortable with public speaking. The 45-50 people watching is a fairly small amount compared to the number in the audience for the last presentation I did. However, it's a whole 'nuther ball o' wax when it's your own writing you're reading instead of just some generic concepts and ideas.

I thanked everyone for sharing my first reading with me. It was a special night for me and all those people made that memory possible. Then I pointed out Tara in the back. She had devised a simple signaling system to let me know if I was babbling and making a general ass of myself. I showed the audience the symbol and asked if they saw her gesturing in that manner, yet I was charging forward oblivious, would they please pass the message forward until eventually I noticed. They laughed but I don't remember them agreeing. Good thing Tara didn't need to make use of the signal.

Then I gave a brief introduction to Edge of Darkness, explaining a bit about the two main characters. I read a very brief section from Ali's point of view and a longer one from Diana's. They were well received and the audience laughed in all the appropriate places. If I have time and a burst of techno-energy, I'll scan the pages I read and post them here. Or myspace. Or some where.

When I started reading, I could feel the tremble in my voice. The microphone refused to stay in position and I couldn't figure out where to put my mouth. I'm accustomed to the clip on mics that attach to your shirt or simply holding the mic and being mobile during a talk. As it was, I needed the stand because my hands were occupied with shaking and holding the book/turning the pages. After about a paragraph of wanting to swallow my tongue, I gave myself a pep-talk about them just being words and the audience just being people. I was much better after that. I battled with the microphone's position through the first part of the reading, but after moving on to Diana's section, I wrapped my right hand around the mic and held it in place. That worked pretty well until I had to do something clever, like turn the page. I'm going to think on this aspect of the reading and find a way to make myself not look like such an ass next time. I'm amazed the microphone fidgeting didn't earn me the signal from Tara.

Finally, blessedly, my turn was over and I went back to my chair and fainted. Tara smiled at me and told me I did good. Bless her.

Last up was Kal Colbalt. She's a self-described omnisexual who writes m/m erotica. I'm not entirely certain that I know what omnisexual really means, another sign that I'm out of touch with my community. But I'm sure she'll explain it to me if I ask nicely. She has a delightful, quirky style that is infused with humor. I'm excited to dig in and pick her brain.

After she finished, there was a Q&A portion where the featured authors, Kathleen, Kal, and me (or is it myself? I never know when to use that), sat in these super comfortable chairs up front and opened ourselves up to questions from the audience.

Before each reading, Diane or Jake read a brief intro and bio about the individual author. I have to say that, on paper, I sound boring as hell. Married for 13 years, 3 kids, live, work, some day I'll die. I know my life is actually pretty interesting, but it didn't translate. It may very well be time to update my bio. At any rate, the things that make me sound ridiculously domesticated and boring, are the things of most interest during the Q&A. Children, while more and more common for same sex couples, are still fairly rare in the lesbian community. What's it like to write in a house full of children. Tell us about your kids. Tell us about your experiences with your son (who is a high functioning autistic).

We were also asked how our real life experiences impact and inform our writing. I assured them, and you now, that I have never been a serial killer. They seemed relieved.

When all questions were exhausted, they held the raffle, giving away some very cool prizes: A copy of Josh's CD, a copy of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, some fuzzy handcuffs, and other nifty things.

After that was wrapped up, there was a milling about period. Getting to know the authors kind of thing. Which I didn't get to stay for. We were already late home for the sitter and had to rush out in a flurry. Next time, I promise, I will stay and chat. I, too, have lots of questions that were never answered.

Tara and I are already planning our return. Next month I'll go and sit quietly in the audience and just soak up the environment. Overall, the whole experience had an awesome vibe and I'm super grateful for being allowed to be a part of this special event.